miRNAs (microRNAs) are short (19–25 nucleotides in length), noncoding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression and control diverse biological processes. miRNAs have significant promise as biomarkers for diseases, given their regulatory role in many cellular processes. The inherent value of miRNA profiles in areas of translational research, infectious diseases, reproductive and genetic health, and biomarker discovery and tumor diagnostics has boomed over the past several years, in an attempt to seek out targeted therapies that will improve future health outcomes.

Over half of the research activity analyzing microRNAs, including research using qPCR, focuses on cancer (based on research publications). The pie chart below is an illustration of common disease applications for miRNA research conducted using real-time PCR.

Figure 1. miRNA analysis by qPCR, all disease applications

Applied Biosystems TaqMan miRNA products provide extensive coverage of the Sanger miRBase registry and offer the flexibility to accomplish your research goals. The streamlined workflow combined with ultra-high specificity, sensitivity, and dynamic range of TaqMan Assays make these solutions an ideal choice for miRNA profiling from precious, limited samples such as FFPE and biofluids across a range of species.